Keeping Your Pet Healthy and Safe
As your trusted 24-hour veterinary team, we’ve compiled essential care tips to help you keep your pet healthy and recognize when professional care is needed. These guidelines are based on our years of experience serving Johannesburg South pet families.
Vaccination Schedules
Puppies (6-16 weeks)
First vaccinations: 6-8 weeks old
Second vaccinations: 10-12 weeks old
Third vaccinations: 14-16 weeks old
Annual boosters: Required every year thereafter
Kittens (6-16 weeks)
First vaccinations: 6-8 weeks old
Second vaccinations: 10-12 weeks old
Annual boosters: Required every year thereafter
Adult Dogs & Cats
Annual vaccinations: Book around the same time each year
Reminder: We can send you reminders if you’d like – just ask at reception
Recognising Emergency Warning Signs
Seek Immediate Care If Your Pet Shows:
- Difficulty breathing or excessive panting when at rest
- Bloated or distended abdomen (especially in large dogs)
- Vomiting or diarrhea that doesn’t stop
- Unable to urinate or straining without producing urine
- Collapse or inability to stand
- Severe trauma from accidents or fights
- Poisoning – if you suspect they’ve eaten something toxic
- Difficulty giving birth – labor lasting more than 2 hours without puppies/kittens
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong with your pet, don’t wait. Call us at 011 682 3213 – we’re here 24/7.
When to Call Your Vet
Routine Check-ups Needed When:
Annual vaccinations are due
Your pet is acting differently for more than 24 hours
Eating or drinking habits change significantly
Weight changes – gaining or losing weight rapidly
Senior pets (7+ years) should be seen every 6 months
Don't Wait - Call Immediately For:
Any emergency symptoms listed above
Pain signs: hiding, reluctance to move, excessive panting, loss of appetite
Eye injuries or sudden vision changes
Suspected poisoning – bring the packaging if possible
Seasonal Safety Tips
Summer Safety (Oct - March)
Hot pavements: Test with your hand – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for paw pads
Car safety: Never leave pets in cars, even with windows down
Swimming: Not all dogs can swim well – supervise around pools
Hydration: Ensure fresh water is always available
Winter Care (April - September)
Warm bedding: Provide extra blankets, especially for older pets
Heater safety: Keep pets away from gas or electric heaters and fireplaces
Arthritis: Older pets may need extra comfort during cold spells
Basic Home Care
Grooming Basics
- Brush regularly to prevent matting and reduce shedding
- Check ears weekly for odour, redness, or discharge
- Nail trimming monthly (we can show you how)
- Dental care: Brush teeth if possible, or ask about dental chews
Feeding Guidelines
- Stick to regular meal times – avoid free-feeding
- Measure portions according to your pet’s ideal weight
- Fresh water should always be available
- Avoid human foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic
Exercise Needs
- Dogs: Daily walks appropriate for their age and breed
- Cats: Interactive play sessions with toys
- Senior pets: Gentle, regular exercise helps maintain mobility
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions we receive about our 24-hour veterinary services, facilities, and care. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for below, don’t hesitate to reach out directly at info@nsvc.co.za – we’re here to help.
Emergency Care
Yes, a qualified veterinarian is almost always on duty at our facility, not just on-call. We maintain rotating shifts with our team of 5 veterinarians (2 permanent, 3 experienced locums) to ensure someone is physically present around the clock.
Seek immediate care for: bloat or gastric torsion, difficulty giving birth (dystocia), poisoning or toxic ingestion, motor vehicle accidents, severe bite wounds or trauma, or any condition where your pet is in shock or distress.
After-hours consultations (weeknights, weekends, and public holidays) include a surcharge to cover the cost of maintaining full staffing around the clock. The exact fee depends on your pet’s condition and required treatment.
While we prioritize true emergencies, there may be a waiting period if our veterinarian is currently treating another critical case. We’ll keep you informed about expected wait times when you call.
For your pet’s safety, we don’t perform routine spays, neuters, dental procedures, or elective lumpectomies during emergency hours. These procedures are scheduled during regular daytime hours.
Services & Facilities
We treat dogs and cats only. For exotic pets and birds, we can recommend appropriate specialists in the Johannesburg area.
Yes, we have a complete in-house laboratory with multiple IDEXX machines, allowing us to perform blood tests, urinalysis, and diagnostics immediately rather than waiting for external lab results.
Our facility includes CR digital X-ray system, ultrasound capabilities (including specialist services), centrifuge and microscopy equipment, Vetscan Imagyst and AU diagnostic machines, and SNAP tests for quick diagnostics.
Our facility includes 31 cages total: an 11-cage ICU with oxygen therapy, a 10-cage isolation ward for infectious cases, two general wards (10 cages each), plus a 6-cage rooftop area for fresh air during recovery.
Appointments & Payments
While we’re open 24/7 for emergencies, we recommend calling ahead for routine procedures to ensure availability and proper scheduling.
Bring your South African ID card (required for registration), any previous medical records or vaccination certificates, a list of current medications your pet is taking, and your pet’s favourite blanket or toy for comfort.
We accept cash, credit and debit cards, and electronic funds transfer (EFT). Payment in full is required at time of service, though payment plan exceptions may be discussed with our practice manager.
We strongly encourage pet insurance. You pay your account with us directly and claim reimbursement from your insurer. We can provide all necessary documentation for your claim.
Location & Access
We’re at 203 Biggarsberg Street, Glenvista, Johannesburg South, 2091. We serve all of Johannesburg South and surrounding areas.
Yes, convenient on-site parking is available at no charge for all clients.
Call us at 011 682 3213 or use our Emergency WhatsApp at 063 138 4894. No answering machines – we answer directly.
About Our Practice
Unlike practices that offer “emergency on-call” services, we maintain a fully staffed, 24-hour hospital with a veterinarian almost always on premises, complete laboratory facilities, and ICU capabilities all under one roof.
Yes, we provide microchip scanning and owner contact attempts, temporary housing until owners can collect their pets, and partnership with Animal Anti Cruelty League for unclaimed animals.
Absolutely. We focus on emergency stabilisation and refer patients back to their regular veterinarians for ongoing care, or to specialists when advanced treatment is needed.
Still Have Questions?
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us directly at info@nsvc.co.za or call 011 682 3213.
Your pet isn't just another appointment—they're a family member who deserves the same level of care and attention you'd want for yourself. That's why we've structured our practice around being genuinely available when you need us, not just when it's convenient for us.
Your Pet's Health Can't Wait
Looking for something specific or want to check if we have what your pet needs? Contact us to discuss your requirements—our knowledgeable team can help you find the right products or special order items we don't currently stock.
